Amateur Gardening – 20 July 2019

52 AMATEUR GARDENING 20 JULY 2019

Re-purpose fallen or cut branches to

make a stand-out feature. This piece,

was fashioned from the cut limbs of

a cypress tree by a previous owner

Ideas for gorgeous gardens

Get lookthe

Surround a small pond with

attractive architectural plants

such as Chinese rhubarb, Rheum

palmatum, and bear’s breeches,

Acanthus mollis, for good looks

and cover for wildlife

Make the most of damp areas by growing

architectural Gunnera manicata. In

smaller spaces, try Rodgersia podophylla,

which does not exceed 5ft (1½m)

Plant dark-leaved

heucheras, such as

‘Plum Pudding’ or

‘Palace Purple’, under

silver birch trees for a

fabulous contrast

Make the most of an acid soil type by growing

rhododendron, azalea and magnolia, such as

this ‘Yellow River’ cultivar, for stunning late-

spring colour

long-lasting tulips. Pruning is a new

skill that David has enthusiastically

embraced and he’s delighted to see the

profusions of flowers and new growth

that have resulted from his efforts.

Especially pleasing is the way in which

a row of blight-affected box balls have

responded to his attentions.

Dealing with box blight

“I took advice from a local nursery,

who recommended cutting out all

of the diseased growth and really

clearing it out underneath to

improve the air flow before spraying

it with fungicide,” he explains. “It’s

taken a while but we’re now really

pleased with how they’re looking

after our efforts.”

Something else David has been

quick to learn is the value of compost,

which, supplemented with well-rotted

chicken manure, has done wonders

in terms of breaking up the soil and

nourishing the trees and shrubs.

“In dry weather the ground turns

into concrete, so I’ve spent a lot

of time and effort on improving it,”

he explains. “We have a massive

compost heap and it’s really turned

the garden around.”

All in all, the garden has given David

and Jo a new focus and they’re enjoying

the opportunity to try new things.

“We work on it together, and when

we’re on holiday we plan our next

project,” laughs David. “The garden has

brought a wonderful new dimension to

our lives and we’re always discovering

new things about it.”